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Fairfax County Down Payment Loan

Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) / Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) · Fairfax County, Virginia

Last verified
See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$50,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Shared appreciation

Settled on the terms set by Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) / Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA)

What is Fairfax County Down Payment Loan?

Fairfax County Down Payment Loan is a shared-appreciation loan for homebuyers in Fairfax County, Virginia, administered by Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) / Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA).

  • The Fairfax County Down Payment Loan is a 0% interest, deferred-payment loan of up to $50,000 administered by the FCRHA through HCD, designed to help first-time homebuyers at or below 80% AMI purchase a home in Fairfax County. The loan must be paired with a Virginia Housing first mortgage and includes a shared equity repayment component: upon payoff the borrower repays principal plus an equity share. Distinct from the Fairfax County ADU/WDU resale program; cannot be used to purchase ADU or WDU units. Funds are limited and first-come, first-served.
  • 0% interest deferred second mortgage.
  • Up to $50,000 in down payment assistance.
  • No monthly payments.
  • Subordinate/last lien position.
  • Stackable with other grants and loans.
  • May reduce first mortgage principal, pay closing costs/points, or buy out PMI.

How much assistance does it provide?

Fairfax County Down Payment Loan offers up to $50,000 in assistance.

  • The program can be combined with Other loans or grants (loan takes last position); Virginia Housing programs including DPA grant.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) / Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Fairfax County Down Payment Loan is a shared-appreciation loan and is repaid under the terms set by Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) / Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA).

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, cash-out refinance, or cessation of primary residence; may be paid off at any time. No monthly payments. Cash-out refinances not allowed; rate-and-term refinance of senior loan permitted.
  • The assistance is recorded in Subordinate (last position; deed of trust recorded against property) position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Fairfax County Down Payment Loan is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: All household members must not have had any ownership interest in a home in the last three years.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Virginia Housing Orientation (in-person or self-guided virtual) required; HUD-certified Housing Counselor one-on-one session required before closing.
  • Residency: Must purchase property in Fairfax County. Applicant may live or work in Fairfax County.
  • Citizenship or immigration status: Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States (per application declarations).
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-13): pending review. Pilot program; funds limited, first-come first-served. Applicant cannot be under contract when applying. Pre-approval valid 4 months (2-month extension with ratified contract). Cash-out refinances prohibited. Cannot be used for ADU/WDU. assistance_type set to shared_appreciation to reflect the equity-share obligation. No published minimum credit score or DTI; Virginia Housing mortgage standards apply. Distinct from Fairfax County Homeownership Program (ADU/WDU resale).

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Fairfax County Down Payment Loan limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • 2026 HUD 80% AMI limits by household size: 1-person $91,750; 4-person $131,100; 8-person $173,050.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Fairfax County Down Payment Loan can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Fairfax County Down Payment Loan serves buyers purchasing in Fairfax County, Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for Fairfax County Down Payment Loan go through Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) / Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Virginia Housing Orientation (in-person or self-guided virtual) required; HUD-certified Housing Counselor one-on-one session required before closing..

  2. Contact Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) / Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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